Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme

The South Australian Government has committed to introducing a heavy vehicle inspection scheme that addresses coroner recommendations that all heavy vehicles should be subject to a periodic inspection regime. The intent of the scheme is to identify, monitor and mitigate un-roadworthiness as a causative factor in crashes on South Australian roads, and to increase heavy vehicle safety.

Why is the focus on heavy vehicles?

Heavy vehicles are overrepresented in fatal crashes. Due to their mass and rigidity, heavy vehicles can contribute to the severity of the crash, have a higher fatality rate when compared to the light vehicle fleet and equally are involved in a disproportionately high number of crashes that result in serious injury. Following a series of fatal crashes on the South Eastern Freeway, subsequent coronial recommendations included that all heavy vehicles should be subject to a periodic inspection regime. A state-based scheme provides South Australia with the opportunity to conduct inspections on heavy vehicles that otherwise would not undergo any form of inspection in their lifetime, unless issued with a defect notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stage one of the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme (HVIS) requires that all heavy vehicles and trailers ( that are otherwise not exempt) with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) over 4.5 tonnes, aged over 3 years of age from manufacture are to undergo an inspection prior to change of ownership. Stage two of the HVIS expands on this requirement. To learn more about Stage Two of the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme view the Heavy Vehicle Inspection Scheme – Frequently Asked Questions Stage Two PDF.